Visa Type

EB-4 Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Guide (U.S.)

United States • EMPLOYMENT-based immigrant pathway

Eligibility and planning checklist for EB-4 special immigrants.

Last reviewed: 2026-01-29Official sources
Key takeaways
  • EB-4 covers special immigrant categories, including certain religious workers.
  • Eligibility depends on the specific subcategory.
  • Processing includes a USCIS petition and immigrant visa steps.

Who the EB-4 is for

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  • Special immigrants in eligible EB-4 subcategories
  • Applicants sponsored by qualifying organizations
  • Individuals with category-specific eligibility documents

Requirements checklist (high level)

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  • USCIS I-360 petition approval
  • Category-specific evidence (religious worker, SIJ, etc.)
  • DS-260 or adjustment of status
  • Medical exam and background checks

Documents and evidence

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  • Category-specific evidence and supporting letters
  • I-360 approval notice
  • Civil documents for immigrant processing
  • Police certificates and medical exam results

Step-by-step overview

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  1. File I-360 with required subcategory evidence.
  2. Track priority date and complete NVC steps.
  3. Attend interview and medical exam if consular.
  4. Enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.

Fees (verify before you pay)

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USCIS petition fees and immigrant visa fees apply. USCIS and immigrant visa fees apply.

Last verified: 2026-02-02 USCIS filing fees

Last verified: 2026-02-02 Visa fee schedule (Department of State)

Processing times

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Processing depends on USCIS petitions, priority dates, and interview availability. Timing depends on subcategory and visa availability.

Last verified: 2026-02-02 USCIS processing times tool

Last verified: 2026-02-02 Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)

Common mistakes that cause delays

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  • Submitting the wrong EB-4 subcategory evidence
  • Missing court orders or organizational letters
  • Incomplete civil documents

FAQs

Who qualifies for EB-4?

EB-4 covers special immigrants such as certain religious workers, SIJs, and other limited subcategories.

Does EB-4 require a job offer?

It depends on the subcategory. Some require organizational sponsorship, while others rely on court orders or statutory criteria.

Which petition is used for EB-4?

Most EB-4 cases use Form I-360 filed with USCIS.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-01-29

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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